II  COURSE DESCRIPTION.....

This course is designed to teach you how to understand and do research in psychology.  Here's what you will be doing throughout the semester.  (1) You will read an excellent textbook by Frederick Gravetter and Lori-Ann Forzano.  You are expected to study and learn the material to a high level of mastery.  There will be three tests, each covering one third of the semester.  Throughout the text there are "Learning Check" questions, and there is a set of "Exercises" at the end of each chapter. All test questions will be taken directly from these sources. (2) You will learn how to analyze the kind of data produced in psychological research, using a powerful computer package, SPSS.  You will do so by completing 10 assignments that are keyed to a well-structured SPSS guidebook (Pavkov & Pierce) that you will follow.  (3) I will present a set of research ideas in class. You will pick one, and following an extensive library search, will devise and write a research proposal.  (4) Working in small project group (3 students), you will execute a research project, analyze the data you collect, and (individually) write a final research report. Both the research proposal and final research report will be written in the standard APA (American Psychological Association) format, which you will learn. Finally (5), your group will present the results of your research at a simulated research conference. Further details concerning all of these activities will be given in class.

Throughout the semester, I devote class time to explicating fundamental concepts from both textbooks, performing demonstrations, stimulating discussions, answering questions, and helping you with your SPSS assignments, research proposals, and final research projects. You are expected to attend every class, to complete all class assignments prior to class, and to remain actively and thoughtfully engaged at all times.  I frequently call upon students to answer questions, explain concepts, and continue a line of argument being developed in class; I expect everyone to respond appropriately.  When working within a group, you are expected to do your full share of the work, behaving in a professional and responsible manner at all times.

I frequently communicate with you via EMAIL.  You are expected to read your EMAIL at least once each day, and are responsible for knowing anything I tell you via this mode of communication!  Cell phones are wonderful, but I expect you to deactivate your phone before you enter class.

There will be three objective tests on the textbook material (provision for make-up tests will be made on an individual basis).  You are to keep a separate notebook for your SPSS assignments, and to bring this notebook to class every day. Your research proposal will be graded and returned to you with extensive comments that are designed to help you write a better final research report; the final research report will be graded, in part, on your success is incorporating feedback given in the comments appended to the research proposal.  Finally, the conference presentation will be graded on the basis of the cogency and clarity of communication. The Guide to Determination of Grades shows the maximum points awarded for each activity, and the grades awarded for each point total.

Finally.  The Psychology Department has instituted a Minimum Competency Requirement for all PSYC 220 students.  You will receive a small set of fundamental concepts that must be mastered during the semester.  A multiple-choice Minimum Competency Exam will be given at the end of the semester, on which you are required to earn a near perfect score (last semester, the minimum passing grade was set at 85%). You may retake alternate versions of the exam until the minimum passing score is achieved.  A grade of "I" will be issued to you until you have achieved the minimum passing score.  This grade will revert to an "E" if the minimum passing grade is not achieved by the 6th week of the subsequent semester.